Fuel showed signs of slowing its decrease, though, as the Labor Day weekend approaches.

Gasoline at Lubbock pumps averaged $3.52, down 9 cents from the previous week but still 87 cents above the same time last year. Prices below $3.50, not seen since February, became increasingly easy to spot.

Diesel averaged $4.15 per gallon, down from a high of $4.59 per gallon in July. The average has shed 30 cents per gallon since the beginning of August.

Crude prices sank over the course of August, dragging gasoline back down with it. Diesel prices would fall for a fifth straight day today, said Charles Bolton, co-owner of the Bolton Oil Co. stores.

Convenience stores prefer cheaper gas - lower prices encourage drivers to spend that money on snacks and drinks inside. Bolton slipped below $3.50 per gallon late last week. But gasoline may not have much further to fall, Bolton cautioned.

Wholesale prices seemed to be nearing the end of their slide, he said, unsure what the Labor Day weekend would bring.

"I would rather think that it's still correcting itself," Bolton said. "But you never know when they're going to turn the tables and jump back up."

Texas retail prices averaged $3.55 per gallon for gasoline and $4.26 per gallon for diesel, according to AAA Texas and the Oil Price Information Service.

Gasoline averaged $3.70 a gallon and $4.34 per gallon nationally, according to the service.